Chapter 012: Big Sister-in-law is Reborn (Part 11)

Chapter 012: Big Sister-in-law is Reborn (Part 11)

System: Ah, right! Li Xiongniang, you’re not shamefully obsessed with good looks!

If you hadn’t been bewitched by Gu Qingcheng’s face, would you have given away the opportunities that originally belonged to you to her?

You see, in the original storyline, Li Xiongniang used the memories of her previous life, leveraging food as a stepping stone to build a relationship with Qing Miao Zhenren.

With the help of this true benefactor, Li Xiongniang opened shops, became the richest woman, and even helped her husband advance in his official career.

It can be said that Qing Miao Zhenren was the strongest and most useful golden support the author left for Li Xiongniang.

This time, however, Gu Qingcheng slightly altered the storyline and, with her intelligence, maximized her own beauty, turning Li Xiongniang from the "reborn farmland romance big female lead" into a shameful looks-obsessed fan!

"Huh? I think I’m beginning to understand the Executor’s tricky operations!"

The system hid deep within Gu Qingcheng’s consciousness, a ball of light shrinking into a sphere, pondering thoughtfully.

Li Xiongniang, unaware of the system’s sarcasm, silently scorned the “shallow” Qing Miao Zhenren, while her face piled on flattering and respectful expressions.

Even though Gu Qingcheng didn’t need her food to tempt her, she successfully became Qing Miao Zhenren’s disciple with her unparalleled beauty.

But, even after successfully becoming a disciple, there should be a discipleship gift.

So, Li Xiongniang still brought out several dishes she had prepared.

"Hmm?"

Qing Miao Zhenren slightly twitched her nose, following the scent.

She appeared to be in her forties, graceful and dignified, exuding a noble aura from the core of her being.

However, she did not exude arrogance but instead embodied a state of returning to simplicity.

Her temperament was gentle and warm, her beautiful almond eyes filled with the insight and tolerance of someone who had seen through everything.

When she saw the food, a childlike joy flashed in those beautiful and wise eyes.

Li Xiongniang caught the look in Qing Miao Zhenren’s eyes.

Her heart was touched, and she suddenly felt that Qing Miao Zhenren accepted their precious baby not only because of the baby’s good looks but also because the baby’s eyes were as clean and pure as an infant’s!

Just like Qing Miao Zhenren herself.

...

Gu Qingcheng, with her beauty, became Qing Miao Zhenren’s only apprentice.

Li Xiongniang, with her excellent cooking skills, gained Qing Miao Zhenren’s appreciation—

"Your cooking skills are indeed remarkable. You could open a shop to both showcase your talents and supplement your household income."

The third reason was that Qing Miao Zhenren could often eat the food she liked.

Qing Miao Zhenren generously mentioned, "The row of houses outside Qingfeng Temple belongs to me. There are already tenants renting houses to do business."

"If you’re willing, Xiongniang, I can reserve a space for you to open a food shop."

Qing Miao Zhenren’s words not only excited Li Xiongniang but also made Gu Dahai and Zhao consider.

Li Xiongniang was excited because she remembered clearly.

After Qing Miao Zhenren’s identity was revealed in her previous life, Qingfeng Temple became a famous temple far and wide.

Not only people from the local county but also many from nearby prefectures and even the capital came to visit, make wishes, and tour the temple.

As the “incense” of Qingfeng Temple flourished, nearby shops, and even the surrounding villages and county, became bustling!

Li Xiongniang knew that having a shop outside Qingfeng Temple was like owning a hen that laid golden eggs.

Gu Dahai and Zhao had no memories from their previous lives and didn’t know the storyline, so they didn’t understand the value of this shop.

Their primary concern was still their precious baby.

After listening to Li Xiongniang’s persuasion, they reluctantly sent their precious baby to be polished by Qing Miao Zhenren.

When Qing Miao Zhenren really decided to keep their precious baby, the couple realized they would have to be separated from their baby.

Their hearts felt as if a piece had been cruelly torn away.

Gu Dahai, the most traditional and attached to his homeland, couldn’t help but think: Should we move the whole family to a village near Qingfeng Temple?

There’s good farmland and mountains here.

We can sell the farmland in Gujia Village, use the money to buy land and property here, and it would be just the same.

Zhao, after all, was a woman, seemingly fierce and strong but actually quite timid.

She was accustomed to the small world of Gujia Village, and while she was tempted by her husband’s idea of moving, she was more worried and confused.

At this moment, Qing Miao Zhenren’s words lit up Gu Dahai and his wife’s eyes.

Opening a shop would be great!

Their daughter-in-law’s skills were excellent, and even a noble person like Qing Miao Zhenren enjoyed them, so it should be profitable.

Thus, the livelihood problem was solved, and Gu Dahai and their two sons could still farm and hunt.

Perhaps they would live better here than in their old hometown.

"……I’ve inquired about it. There’s a village near the Qingfeng Taoist Temple, and there’s a private school there. Once we earn some money, we can send Second Brother to study!"

It seemed as though she had truly come to terms with her past life. Surprisingly, Li Xiongniang brought up the topic of Gu Rao’s education to persuade Gu Dahai and his wife.

"In my past life, I made mistakes. I shouldn’t have taken everything upon myself."

"In this life, I will set boundaries. I won’t foolishly give everything without expecting anything in return. I need to receive corresponding rewards."

Li Xiongniang consoled herself in this way.

In fact, when she was reborn on the road while fleeing the famine and instinctively knelt in front of Lady Zhao, her fate with the Gu family became inseparable.

Perhaps this was a karmic relationship.

Since she couldn’t escape and still carried the burden of life-saving and upbringing favors, she should strive to make life better.

Not repeat the tragedy of the past, nor hold onto the grudges of the past!

"Education? Yes! Our Mao’er is the smartest. Once we have money, we’ll send him to study!"

As a mother, Lady Zhao naturally hoped her children would have bright futures.

Especially since her youngest son was indeed clever, she said with full hope, "Perhaps our old Gu family will produce a scholar."

"A scholar?"

A bright light flashed in Gu Dahai’s eyes. If his son could really study and become an official, it would elevate their Gu family’s status.

Glorifying the ancestors!

For a moment, Gu Dahai’s heart surged with excitement—

His foolish daughter had a future, his daughter-in-law had a shop, and even his youngest son seemed to have hope for success!

Their Gu family was developing in the best direction.

"……Hehe!"

Seeing that her parents and elder brother’s wife were all relaxed with smiles on their faces, the slow-to-react Gu Qingcheng finally responded.

She clapped her little hands and giggled with a small grin.

Her laughter was like a delicate flower blooming instantly.

For a moment, Qing Miao Zhenren was somewhat dazed and murmured, "In the north, there is a beauty, independent and unparalleled; a single glance can captivate a city... This child has a beautiful appearance, but what’s rarest is her clear eyes and pure heart. Let’s name her Qingcheng."

Qingcheng?

Gu Qingcheng tilted her little head and, inexplicably, felt a deep affection for this name.

"Qingcheng! Gu Qingcheng!"

The little beauty became even happier, constantly repeating the name.

When a seven or eight-year-old gloomy boy stepped into the room, he caught sight of Gu Qingcheng’s radiant and innocent smile.

So beautiful, so pure, like a beam of light illuminating his dark heart…